The impact of^(60)Co-γirradiation on the chemical constituents of Chuanxiong Rhizoma

Background:In order to clarify the inmpat ofγirradiation on the chemical composition of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper carefully choosed Chuanxiong Rhizoma to carry on a demonstration study.Methods:Through a meticulous assessment,a comprehensive comparison was made between the irradiated and unirradiated Chuanxiong Rhizoma samples.The property characteristics were investigated by colorimeter and electronic nose.The changes in chemical structures and contents was analyzed by fourier infrared spectroscopy,high performance liquid chromatography and fingerprinting.In a quest to uncover the presence of any new radiolysis products,cutting-edge techniques like ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were employed.Moreover,the difference of antioxidant activity were investigated.Results:The irradiation doses within 12 kGy had no significant effects on the content of the main chemical components,characteristics and in vitro antioxidant activity of Chuanxiong Rhizoma,while changes in some functional groups and degradation of some volatile oil components containing olefins need further study.Conclusion:This study indicates that^(60)Co-γirradiation is a stable method for sterilization of Chuanxiong Rhizoma.It’s also provide a reference for the establishment of irradiation standards for Chuanxiong Rhizoma and other aromatic medicinal plants.

Integrated network pharmacology analysis and in vitro cell experiments to reveal the mechanisms of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a liver disease of unknown etiology.A traditional Chinese medicine Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.(CX),it has been used about 2,000 years.Until now,the mechanism of action of CX on NAFLD remains unclear.Method:We first tested the toxicity of CX to AML12 cells with CCK-8.In vitro cell models of NAFLD were made using free fatty acid,and used Oil Red O staining tested lipid droplets.Then the active compounds of CX were collected from TCMSP and literatures,and SwissTargetPrediction,Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals,Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicin,Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine database were used to predict the targets of the compounds.DRUGBANK,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man,Therapeutic Target Database,DisGeNET and GeneCards database were used to predict the targets of NAFLD.Use Venn diagram to obtained the intersection targets by,and analyzed the protein-protein intersection network.Use Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology to forecast the function of intersection genes.Molecular docking was used to evaluate the interaction between hub gene and active ingredients.Finally,use western blotting to determine the effects of CX on PPARA,PPARG,IL1B and TNF proteins.Result:CX can reduce the production of AML12 cell lipid droplets.A total of 15 chemical components were identified from CX.Folic acid,chrysophanol and sitosterol were the main components of CX against NAFLD.ALB,TNF,PPARG and PPARA proteins were the main targets of CX in the treatment of NAFLD.PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid degradation were closely related to anti-NAFLD.Molecular docking results shows that folic acid was the main active ingredient of CX for NAFLD treatment,and TNF is the main potential target.The cellular NAFLD model showed that CX up-regulated the expression of PPARA and PPARG protein and down-regulated inflammatory factor IL-1B and TNF expression.Conclusion:Our study suggests that CX has a therapeutic effect on NAFLDA,which may be related to the PPAR pathway and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Exploring the mechanism of Saposhnikoviae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma treating Parkinson's disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Backgroud:Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a neurodegenerative disorder with an increasing global prevalence.However,the development of drugs for PD treatment has not kept pace with the continuously growing number of patients.Currently,the search for new effective substances from natural drugs is a major research direction.Two Chinese medicinal materials,Saposhnikoviae Radix(Fangfeng)and Chuanxiong Rhizoma(Chuanxiong),are commonly used in the treatment of PD in China.However,the mechanism of their combination is not clear,and further research is needed.Methods:Data were collected from publicly available databases:TCMSP,UnitProt,GeneCards OMIM,PharmGKB,Therapeutic Target Database and DrugBank.Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods was used to analyze the data to discover the possible pharmacological effects of the two drugs in the treatment of PD.Results:Beta-sitosterol,Mandenol and Wallichilide were the active components of Saposhnikoviae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma(FC),and they stably bonded with PD targets,including PTGS2,CASP3,AKT1 and JUN.The target genes of FC were significantly enriched in PD-associated pathways,including calcium signaling and apoptosis pathways.Moreover,the study revealed that the active components of FC may affect cellular structures,such as membrane rafts,membrane microdomains,membrane regions,and postsynaptic membranes,which,in turn,affect a variety of molecular functions and biological processes.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate the direction for clarifying the pharmacodynamic substances of FC,the extraction method of pharmacodynamic substances,as well as the mechanism and efficacy of pharmacodynamic substances.Importantly,this study provides a strategy for developing new therapeutic drugs for PD.

The mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on glaucomatous optic nerve injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Based on network pharmacology,this study predicted the potential molecular mechanism and related pathways of the protective effect of traditional Chuanxiong Rhizoma,a traditional Chinese herb,on glaucomatous optic nerve injury,and conducted in vitro experimental verification of the predicted results of network analysis.We analyzed the molecular mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the potential treatment of glaucoma by revealing its main active ingredients and predicting its targets,so as to provide reference for subsequent basic research.Network pharmacological research results showed that the potential hub targets and key signaling pathways of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the treatment of glaucoma were closely related to biological processes such as apoptosis,autophagy,inflammation,oxidative stress and angiogenesis.Molecular docking showed that many active ingredients,such as chrysophanol(CHR),myricanone and retinol,could combine well with their target proteins by intermolecular forces,especially CHR had strong binding ability with each target.We speculated that the main active component of Chuanxiong Rhizoma might be involved in the regulation of PI3K-Akt,Nod-like receptor,IL-4 and IL-13,MAPK,AGE-RAGE and neurotrophin signaling pathway by regulating of PI3K,Akt,TLR4,RAGE,NTRK2 and other key targets.Furthermore,it may achieve multi-directional intervention on apoptosis/autophagy,inflammation/immunity,oxidative stress and nutrient metabolism of axoplasma flow,and then delay the degeneration of optic nerve injury.In vitro experiments showed that the active component CHR of Chuanxiong Rhizoma could reverse the M1-type polarization and autophagy/apoptosis of mouse microglia(BV2)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)at the transcriptional level.Meanwhile,the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-1βand TNF-αwas inhibited,and the mRNA level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly increased.In addition,CHR down-regulates activation of the RAGE-NOX4 pathway mediated by LPS in reducing oxidative stress.In this study,network pharmacology and molecular docking technology were integrated for the first time to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese herb“Chuanxiong Rhizoma”in the treatment on glaucoma,and CHR was innovatively proposed as an important ingredient in Chuanxiong Rhizoma that plays a protective role in the damage of optic nerve.Preliminary verification was conducted through in vitro experiments.The results suggest that Chuanxiong Rhizoma may interfere with autophagy and apoptosis,inhibit immune inflammation,as well as reduce oxidative stress in the treatment of glaucoma through the active components represented by CHR,so as to resist progressive optic nerve injury.Our study provides theoretical basis for the clinical use of Chinese herbal medicine or its extract in glaucoma,and also lays a solid foundation for the research of Chinese medicine in the field of optic nerve protection.

Exploring the scientific rationality of“Different dosage forms of the same prescription”base on Q-markers of pulvis and pill of Chuanxiong Chatiao Prescription

Objective:To predict and analyze the potential Q-markers of Chuanxiong Chatiao Prescription,and the pharmacokinetic properties of pulvis and pills in vivo were studied,which provided a basis for the rational evaluation of the phenomenon of“Different Dosage Forms of the Same Prescription”.Methods and Material:Q-markers analysis of Chuanxiong Chatiao Prescription based on the“Five Principles”(traceability and transmissibility,specificity,effectiveness,prescription compatibility and testability).The content determination method of Q-markers in Chuanxiong Chatiao Prescription was established by UPLC,and the content difference of Q-markers in the two dosage forms ware determined and compared.The Q-markers in rabbit plasma was determined by LC-MS/MS method,and the pharmacokinetic parameters of Q-markers in pulvis and pills were analyzed.Results:A total of 16 potential Q-markers from the“Five Principles”were used,nine components of tetramethylprazine,ferulic acid,glycyrrhizin,glycyrrhizic acid,luteolin,cimicifugoside,senkyunolideⅠ,isoimperatorin,nodakenin were identified as Q-markers of Chuanxiong Chatiao Presciption.The content of tetramethylprazine and other components in the pulvis form was found to be significantly higher than that in the pills,while the content of senkyunolideⅠwas lower than that in the pills,which may be related to the preparation process of the dosage form and the physicochemical properties of the components.Compared with pulvis,the Tmax and t_(1/2)of ferulic acid and other components in pills were significantly prolonged.To a certain extent,it can explain the classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine“Components in pulvis release quickly and take effect in fast-acting manner,while in pills release slowly and take effect in slow-acting”.Meanwhile,the Cmax and AUC0-t of tetramethylprazine and other components in pills were higher than those in pulvis,which showed unexpected pharmacokinetic characteristics,indicating the complexity of compounding and the importance of dosage form design.Conclusions:A method for the determination of Q-markers content was established by UPLC,which provide reference for the quality control of Chuanxiong Chatiao Prescription.In vivo studies have found the pharmacokinetic parameters indicate the absorption and distribution characteristics of pulvis and pills.However,it is also found that the release behavior of different components not only affected by the dosage form but also closely related to their own physical and chemical properties.

Law of Occurrence and the Damage of Main Diseases and Pests in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort Field

[Objective]The aim was to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of the main diseases and pests. [Method]The systematic investigation was carried out in the process of seedling and field cultivation of Ligusticum chuanxiong. [Result]The main diseases were root rot,Powdery mildew and Spot blight,while the main pests were Epinotia leucantha Meyrick,Prodenia litura Fabr.,Scarabaeoidea,Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval and Delia platura Meigen. [Conclusion]The law of occurrence of main diseases and pests were confirmed.

A rapid HPLC method for determination of coniferyl ferulate in Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong

Aim A reliable and rapid HPLC method was developed for quantitative determination of coniferyl femlate, an ester of ferulic acid, with multiple pharmacological activities in Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong, two commonly used Chinese medicines. Methods The determination was achieved by using a Zorbax ODS C18 analytical column （250 mm×4.6 mm ID, 5 μm） at isocratic elution of 1% aqueous acetic acid and acetonitrile （1：1） with diode-array detection （318 nm）. The calibration curve of coniferyl femlate showed good linearity （r^2 = 0.9995） within the test range. Results The developed method showed good precision with intra- and inter-day variations of 0.22% - 1.16% and 0.86% - 2.62% between the levels of 0.380 - 0.038 mg·mL^-1, respectively. The repeatability represented as RSD of coniferyl femlate was less than 2.7% for three levels （0.2 - 1.0 g of Angelica sinensis）, and the recovery was 105.3% with RSD of 3.2%. Conclusion The validated method was successfully applied to quantify coniferyl femlate in 12 samples of Danggui and Chuanxiong.

Pathogen Identification of the Anthracnose of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. and Inhibitory Effect of Four Fungicides on the Pathogen

[Objective] The research aimed to isolate and identify the pathogen of anthracnose of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort,and make the antifungal test on four kinds of fungicides for selecting the optimum fungicides.[Method] The pathogenic fungi was separated according to Koch＇s rule and the shape characteristics were identified. The antifungal test of fungicides was made by using plate mycelium growth inhibition method.[Result] The pathogenic fungi was separated from leaves of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. and morphological characters were consistent with that of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. In addition to chloroisobromine cyanuric acid,the other three fungicides could inhibit the mycelium growth. The growth inhibition rates of 1 000 times Metalaxyl＋mancozeb,zineb,Thiophanate-methyl for the mycelium were 26.8%,22.1%,59.8% respectively after 7 days.[Conclusion] The anthracnose was caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. was a new record host plant of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and the best inhibiting fungicide was Thiophanate methyl.

Optimization of ISSR-PCR Reaction Conditions for Genomic DNA of Ligusticum chuanxiong hort.

[Objective] To investigate the impacts of ISSR-PCR amplification factors, for the establishment and optimization of ISSR-PCR reaction system for Ligusticum chuanxiong hort. [Method] Using genomic DNA of Chuanxiong leaf extracted via an improved CTAB method as template, single factor analysis was performed to investigate the impacts of DNA template concentration, Mg2＋ concentration, dNTPs concentration, primer concentration, Taq DNA polymerase concentration on ISSR-PCR amplification and to optimize this system for Ligusticum chuanxiong hort. [Result] The ISSR-PCR amplification（25 μl） suitable for Ligusticum chuanxiong hort. was determined to be composed of 2.5 μl of 10×reaction buffer, 2.1 mmol/L MgCl2, 300 μmol/L dNTPs, 0.4 μmol/L primer, 1.0 U Taq DNA polymerase and 20-40 ng genomic DNA. [Conclusion] Our study laid basis for analyzing the genetic diversity of Ligusticum chuanxiong hort. resources distributed in 17 different areas of China.

川芎(Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort)种植地的土壤动物群落特征

采用大型手捡、Tullgren干漏斗和Baermann湿漏斗法对川芎种植基地土壤动物群落进行调查.结果显示,试验所采集土壤动物平均密度为3.13×104只/m2,其中,川芎样地土壤动物平均密度为1.35×104只/m2,11个类群;菜地土壤动物平均密度为4.91×104只/m2,15个类群.同功能种团分析表明,菜地的杂食性和腐食性土壤动物密度显著高于川芎地(P<0.05),植食性和捕食性显著低于川芎样地(P<0.05).菜地的DG和C指数高于川芎样地,而J和H'指数低于川芎样地.表明川芎种植对土壤动物群落分布与多样性特征产生一定影响.

Measurement and Correlation of the Solubility of Ligusticum Chuanxiong oil in Supercritical CO_2

Extraction of the Ligusticum Chuanxiong oil with supercritical CO2 （SC-CO2） was investigated at the temperatures ranging from 55℃ to 70℃ and pressure from 25 MPa to 35 MPa. The mass of Ligusticum Chuanxiong oil extracted increased with pressure at constant temperature. The initial slope of the extraction was considered as the solubility of oil in SC-CO2. Chrastil equation was used to correlate the solubility data of Ligusticum Chuanxiong oil. An improved Chrastil equation was also presented and was employed to correlate the solubility data, The correlation results show that the values of the average absolute relative deviation are 5.94% and 3.33% respectively, indicating the improved version has better correlation accuracy than that of Chrastil equation.

Study on Rhizoma Chuanxiong based on capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection

A high-performance capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection(CE-AD) method has been developed for the analysis of seven bioactive ingredients,namely ferulic acid(FA),vanillin,vanillic acid,p-hydroxybenzoic acid,caffeic acid,gallic acid and protocatechuic acid,in Rhizoma Chuanxiong.The effects of several factors such as the acidity and concentration of running buffer,the separation voltage,the applied potential to working electrode and the injection time were investigated.Under the optimum condit...

Mechanism of volatile oil from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)-Suhexiang(Styrax)-Bingpian(Borneolum)in treating angina pectoris based on network pharmacology and its protective effects on myocardial damage in rats

Objective To explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of volatile oil from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)-Suhexiang(Styrax)-Bingpian(Borneolum)(hereinafter referred to as C-S-B volatile oil)in treating angina pectoris based on network pharmacology and to detect its protective effects against rat myocardial damage.Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was used to determine the constituents of volatile oils from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma),Suhexiang(Styrax),and Bingpian(Borneolum),and the targets of the three main constituents were found predicted and screened using the PharmMapper server,and Gene Cards and Coo LGe N databases.The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to draw the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,RStudio software was used to analyze Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genome and Genome(KEGG)pathways,and Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target-pathwaydisease network.The rat model of myocardial injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of a large dose of isoprenaline hydrochloride.After continuous intervention with C-S-B volatile oil for 14 d,the ejection fraction(EF)and short axis shortening rate(FS)of the left ventricle were detected.The indices of myocardial damage were detected after hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Results Fifteen volatile oil components from the C-S-B formula were identified.There are 470 targets of these volatile oil components and 401 angina-related genes.There are 28 core targets,including CHRM4,ADRA1 A,FGFR1,CHRM2,CYP2 A6,CHRM5,CHRM1,CHRM3,HDAC2,and MPO,etc..The results of the KEGG analysis indicated that the C-S-B formula probably interferes with the following pathways:neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions,calcium signaling,cytochrome P450 metabolism of heteropoietin,among others.The results of animal experiments showed that the C-S-B formula essential oil could significantly improve the following myocardial indices in rats with myocardial injury:EF,FS,left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVIDs),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVIDd),and stroke volume(SV),and all the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of action of volatile oil components in the C-S-B formula in treating angina pectoris was analyzed using multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway systems,which has laid a foundation for further revealing its mechanism of action.Animal experiments have shown that the volatile oil of the C-S-B formula can improve EF,FS,and other indices of myocardial damage in a rat model,thus relieving myocardial damage caused by heart hyperactivity,improving cardiac function,and protecting against myocardial damage.

Study on pharmacological effect of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on vascular neuropathic headache

Chuanxiong Rhizoma is the dry rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong in the umbelliferae family.Chuanxiong Rhizoma pungent,warm,go to liver,gallbladder and pericardium.Effective in promoting blood circulation,promoting Qi,dispelling wind and relieving pain,it could treat chest pain,tingling pain in chest and flank,lump,irregular menstruation,amenorrhea,symptomatic abdominal pain,headache and rheumatic pain.Neurovascular headache is a primary disease caused by dysregulation of intracranial vascular movement and nerve function.It has the characteristics of long course,intermittent recurrent attacks,lingering and difficult to heal.Attacks are often accompanied by many plant nervous system symptoms,such as rapid breathing,accelerated heart rate,vomiting,and gastrointestinal dysfunction.Vascular nerve headache is a common clinical disease,frequently bidity.Studies have shown that Chuanxiong Rhizoma has good pharmacological effects in the treatment of vascular neuropathic headache.①The action of Qi and blood circulation:vascular and neurovascular headache is caused by the evil of external wind and cold and damp heat,which leads to the disconnection of the veins,the disorder of Qi and blood,the obstruction of Qi and blood channels,the loss of brain collateral,and finally causes migraine.Modern Chinese medicine points out that"wind,blood stasis,deficiency,phlegm"are the key factors of the disease.Chuanxiong Rhizoma is the medicine of Qi in the blood.It is pungent and warm.It is good at activating blood and promoting Qi,dispelling wind,relieving pain and dispelling cold,so as to achieve the effect of treating vascular headaches.②Improve brain circulation:angioneurotic headache is caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system related to the regulation of vascular movement,which causes vasospasm or extreme vasodilation,and the decrease of intracranial blood flow causes cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.Sodium ferulate is a chemical component in Chuanxiong Rhizoma.It has a relatively good inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and the release of 5-HT from platelets.It can ensure the normal contraction of intracranial and extracranial blood vessels,improve the patient′s brain circulation and nerve function,so as to achieve the effect of treating angioneurotic headaches.③Sedative and analgesic effect:the volatile oil and water decoction of Chuanxiong Rhizoma have sedative and analgesic effects,and the water decoction can counteract the excitatory effect of caffeine.Studies have shown that the ATP activation current of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons can be inhibited by ligustrazine in a non-competitive way,which also indicates that Chuanxiong Rhizoma has a good analgesic effect.In this study,the effects of Chuanxiong Rhizoma on angoneeurotic headache were reviewed,and the pharmacological effects of Chuanxiong Rhizoma were further elucidated,providing basis for clinical application and new drug development of Chuanxiong Rhizoma in the treatment of angoneeurotic headache.

Rhizoma Chuanxiong regulates vascular endothelial growth factor production in hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro and in peri-infarct rat brain tissue

BACKGROUND： Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） acts as ＂molecular bridge＂ following ischemic stroke to improve and restore blood supply and reduce infarction volume. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Rhizoma Chuanxiong （Chuanxiong） in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. However, whether it promotes endogenous VEGF expression in ischemic stroke remains unknown. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the influence of Rhizoma Chuanxiong on VEGF production in vitro cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and on VEGF expression in ischemic cerebral tissues to explore its role in angiogenesis. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： In vitro basic comparison of traditional Chinese drug-containing serum pharmacology; in vivo randomized, controlled, animal experiment. This study was performed at the Medical Laboratory of West China Hospital, Sichuan University between December 2002 and April 2004. MATERIALS： Two Chinese rabbits were selected. One was intragastrically perfused with 5.8 g/kg Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract twice per day for three consecutive days to prepare Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract-containing serum. The remaining rabbit was intragastrically perfused with the same volume of normal saline twice per day for three consecutive days. Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract was provided by Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, predominantly composed of ligustrazine, ligustilide, and ferulic acid. ChemiKineTM human VEGF Kit was purchased from Chemicon, USA; mouse anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody and biotin-goat anti-mouse IgG were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology. Inc., USA. METHODS： （1） In vitro experiment： in vitro cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were separately incubated in rabbit serum with 10% Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract, normal medium without rabbit serum, and rabbit serum without Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract （blank control）. In addition, cells from the three groups were incubated under normoxia （5% CO2, 95% air） and hypoxia （1% 02, 5% CO2, 94% N2）, respectively, for 24 hours. （2） In vivo experiment： a total of 4/44 Sprague Dawley rats were selected for the sham-operated group （no occlusion）, and the remaining rats were used to establish a cerebral ischemiaJreperfusion model by suture occlusion. 32 animals with ischemia/reperfusion injury were randomly divided into treatment and model groups, with 16 rats in each group. Both groups were intraperitoneally infused with 0.58 g/kg Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract and normal saline two hours following reperfusion. The sham-operated group was administrated normal saline. Animals were treated with saline or Chuanxiong extracts （0.58 g/kg） twice per day for three consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： In vitro experiment： VEGF concentration was detected in each group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo experiment： behavioral alterations of rats were evaluated by neurological function scale; infarct volume was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; VEGF protein expression in the infarct regions was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： （1） VEGF levels were similar between the three groups under normexic condition （P 〉 0.05）; while hypoxia induced VEGF production （P 〈 0.01 ）. VEGF levels in the drug-containing serum group were particularly higher compared with the other groups （P 〈 0.01）. （2） Compared with normal saline treatment, Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract significantly improved the neurological scale and reduced cerebral infarct volumes （P〈 0.05）. The percent of VEGF-positive cells was significantly greater than the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The sham-operated group exhibited normal neurological function, with no infarct focus. CONCLUSION： Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract-containing rabbit serum effectively promoted cultured VEGF production under hypoxia. Rhizoma Chuanxiong extract upregulated VEGF expression in the infarct region, improved neurological function, and reduced infarct size.

Study on the mechanism of “Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.-Salvia miltiorrhiza” couplet medicine for coronary heart disease based on network pharmacology

Objective:To study the active components and gene targets of“Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.-Salvia miltiorrhiza”couplet medicine for the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)based on network pharmacology,and to explore its mechanism.Methods:Based on oral bioavailability(OB)>30%and drug-like(DL)>0.18,the active components of“Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.-Salvia miltiorrhiza”for CHD were screened and the targets of treating CHD were predicted by using TCMSP and GeneCards database.The active component-CHD target network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by utilizing String database.Finally,GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by using Bioconductor and R language.Results:The study predicted 72 active components in total,including 7 Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.and 65 Salvia miltiorrhiza,such asβ-sitosterol,tanshinone.Totally 96 target genen of active components were obtained,including PTGS1,NCOA2,NOS2,etc.Results of GO enrichment analysis showed 142 biological processes,related to adrenergic receptor activity,G protein-coupled amine receptor activity,etc.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed 131 pathways,including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,etc.Conclusion:“Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.-Salvia miltiorrhiza”couplet medicine exerts therapeutic effects on CHD from multiple targets as PTGS1,PTGS2 and adrenergic receptor activity and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.The study can provide reference for further researches on its mechanism and the pharmacological effects of Shenzhi Tongxin Capsule.

Effect of Ligusticum Chuanxiong on Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats and Its Mechanism

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Chuanxiong in alleviating hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling. Methods: Thirty healthy and clean male SD rats weighing (180 - 220) g were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): normoxia group (n), hypoxia group (H) and Chuanxiong group (L). Group N was fed in normoxic environment, and the other two groups were fed in hypoxic (9% 11% O2) environment for 4 weeks, 8 h/D, 6 days a week. Rats in group L were gavaged with Ligusticum chuanxiong solution diluted with normal saline at the concentration of 300 mg/kg, and rats in group H were gavaged with equal volume of normal saline. After 4 weeks, the mean pulmonary artery pressure was measured. After pulmonary perfusion, the right ventricular free wall and left ventricle plus ventricular septum were taken to measure the right ventricular hypertrophy index. The changes of pulmonary morphology and ultrastructure were observed under light microscope. Results: Compared with group n, the average pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy index in the other two groups increased, and the thickening of pulmonary vascular wall was obvious under microscope (P Conclusion: Ligusticum chuanxiong can relieve pulmonary artery pressure in rats by inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Clinical study on Chuanxiong Hualiu Mixture in the treatment of blood stasis and phlegm stagnation type of ovarian cyst

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Chuanxiong Hualiu Mixture in the treatment of blood stasis and phlegm stagnation type of ovarian cyst and the effects on physical and chemical indicators.Methods: A total of 80 patients with blood stasis and phlegm stagnation type of ovarian cyst were randomly divided into two groups, research group (n=40) took Chuanxiong Hualiu Mixture, control group (n=40) took Guizhi Fuling Capsule, 3 months was a course of treatment, and the curative effect was compared between two groups.Results:(1) The overall response rate of Chuanxiong Hualiu mixture group after 3 months of treatment was 82.5%, that of Guizhi Fuling Capsule group was 62.5%, the overall response rate of Chuanxiong Hualiu mixture group was higher than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant;(2) before and after treatment, sex hormone and hemorheology index E2 of both groups decreased significantly, whole blood viscosity, whole blood reduced viscosity and plasma viscosity decreased significantly, the results were statistically significant, but there was no difference between two groups;(3) rank sum test of TCM symptom efficacy between two groups before and after treatment showed that the overall response rate of Chuanxiong Hualiu mixture group was 95%, the overall response rate of Guizhi Fuling Capsule group was 85%, the overall response rate of research group was better than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion:Chuanxiong Hualiu mixture has good curative effect for the treatment of ovarian cyst, it can effectively improve the patients' blood stasis and phlegm stagnation constitution, and its mechanism of action is associated with lowering estrogen levels and improving hemorrheology.

Development of Chuanxiong Toothpaste and Establishment of Its Quality Standard

The quality standard of Chuanxiong toothpaste was established.HPLC was used to determine the content of ferulic acid in Chuanxiong toothpaste and TLC was used to identify the Chuanxiong in the toothpaste.The content of active ingredients extracted from Traditional Chinese medicine by decocting water was high,and the corresponding toothpaste had a good hemostatic effect.The identification by use of thin layer chromatography(TLC)showed with clear spots and strong specificity for both the test product and the control product(Levistilide A)as observed under ultraviolet light(254 nm)with n-hexane-ethyl acetate(3∶1)as the developing agent,which could be used as the basis for the qualitative identification of Chuanxiong toothpaste.The ferulic acid in the range of 0.019,3~0.481,7μg mL^(-1) showed a good linear relationship with the peak area and the recovery rate of sample was between 99.5%and 101.2%.This method was simple,stable and reliable,and could be used as the quality control method for ferulic acid in Chuanxiong toothpaste.

Network pharmacology research of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in the treatment of vascular dementia

Objective:Using network pharmacology to explore the target and mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma in the treatment of vascular dementia(VaD),so as to provide a reference for treating VaD through them.Methods:Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform were used to screen the main active ingredients and targets of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma.By means of Gene Cards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),targets of VaD were collected.The intersecting targets were obtained by using the Venn map.The String online database was used to build a protein-protein interactions Network and the Metascape database was used to perform GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis.A“drug-ingredient-target-pathway”network was constructed by Cytoscape software.Autodock vina software was used to conduct molecular docking between targets.Results:A total of 7 active ingredients in Chuanxiong Rhizoma and 4 active ingredients in Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma were screened.There were 42 active targets of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and 70 active targets of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma and 1152 disease targets.After deleting the repeat value,51 drugs targets were obtained.After the intersection,with a total of 25 targets.According to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,the main biological processes involved include cellular response to lipid,negative regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway,blood circulation,response to a steroid hormone,etc.The main pathways include pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,etc.Molecular docking showed that the most active docking combinations were AKT1 and Perlolyrine,RELA and FA,MAPK14 and FA,respectively.Conclusion:Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma play an important role in the treatment of VaD mainly by anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis.